So ... if you were Microsoft, and you were in cahoots with the NSA, and you wanted to scare the bejesus out of customers who were still using Windows 7 so that they would switch in fear to Windows 10, what might you do?
[Dayglored takes his tin-foil hat back off.]
The real reason Windows 7 was hit hardest was that Windows 10 FORCES THE UPDATES ON YOU. And in this case, it was demonstrably a Good Thing.
So, Windows 7 users, have you (we) learned your (our) lesson? : DO YOUR D@MN UPDATES!!
(Or switch to Windows 10 where Microsoft does them for you...)
(Or switch to Linux or Mac, where you ALSO have updates...)
I have been hit multiple times on my W-7 PC with such obvious phishing attempts I had to laugh. I just don’t open anything that even looks the least bit out of the ordinary. If I screw up I’m better off having deleted than otherwise opened up the door to suffering the consequences.
Further to previous post: Mostly they have been phony messages using FEDEX, Google, and Microsoft in subject lines that I believe to be obvious phishing expeditions trying to get me to click on them.
from Microsoft TechNet:
Customer Guidance for WannaCrypt attacks
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2017/05/12/customer-guidance-for-wannacrypt-attacks/
and
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS17-010 - Critical
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms17-010.aspx
[The 2nd link above links to all of the Windows updates for various versions, including Windows 7.]
==
I ran the Win7-64bit version a few days ago. It did mess up my Sandboxie sandbox, so I had to upgrade the Sandboxie to the latest version. So far, I have not noticed any other problems.
At the very least, turn off the microShaft SMB crap if you do nothing else...
sc.exe config lanmanworkstation depend= bowser/mrxsmb20/nsi
sc.exe config mrxsmb10 start= disabled
sc.exe config lanmanworkstation depend= bowser/mrxsmb10/nsi
sc.exe config mrxsmb20 start= disabled
And if you feel lucky, use their update ...
kb4012212.msu
Just switch to one of the many versions of Linux and be done with it.
Win 7 is better than the current versions. So naturally that one gets hit.
Maybe MSFT is the origin, pushing folks to go to W10.Just a thought.
nuttin like a good old macrium reflect backup of windows to ensure your computer is up and running quickly- ransomeware? Pfffft- whatever- reinstall your backup in about 20 minutes and good to go-
I also love a program called RollBackRX which is even quicker than restorign from a full raw backup- it will restore your computer even if it won’t start- the boot menu includes the RollBackRX menu which allows you to choose a restore point to before the infection- Very cool- for htose using windows, epsecially older versions, i would highly recommend RollBackRX OR macrium Reflect- but prefer RollBackRX-
cost is around $60 usually, but can be got for around $30 during sales- WELL worth hte money- saved my computer many times- don’t even have to worry about experimenting with programs anymore- if they hose something- just do a rollback- takes about 10 minutes or so- and just a few clicks- very easy to use-
In terms of malware threat level, I regard Windows Update to be far more insidious and dangerous than anything found in the wild.
Anyway, install always hangs near the end for one install, hangs after desktop is installed on the other.
I own my own small IT company. I flash ASUS routers with linux ddwrt firmware. I have done desktop support since windows 95.(former IBM MVS JES2/3 technical support)
I am sick of Microsoft. If I am having a tricky time getting Linux up and going on a Microsoft device, what about those who have very little computing experience?